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Miss 2008

2008 Miss America

Kirsten Haglund
2008 Miss America

Jan. 26, 2008

Click here for pictures of the event!

The Miss America 2008 pageant, took place January 26, 2008. It was held at the Planet Hollywood. Its new network home, is The Learning Channel (TLC). TLC will retain telecast rights through 2010.

Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson was on hand to crown her successor.

Judges

This year’s panel of esteemed judges includes legendary Olympic athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee; edgy fashion designer Trace Ayala (cofounder of William Rast Denim with Justin Timberlake); Hollywood’s hottest casting director Jason La Padura (High School Musical); editor of OK! Magazine Sarah Ivens; entrepreneur James Arthur Ray (CEO, James Ray International), CNN newscaster (Miss Ohio 1992 and top 10 finalist at Miss America) Robin Meade and fitness trainer Kim Lyons (Biggest Loser).

Quality of Life

• AL-Jamie Langley: Cardiac Care: From the Heart
• FL-Kykie Williams: Realistic Support for the Troops
• MA-Valerie Amanos: Encouraging Our Youth to Volunteer
• MN-Jennifer Hudspeth: The Missing Piece: Understanding Autism
• NV-Caleche Manos: MADD
• NC-Jessica Jacobs: Read to Me
• OK-Makenna Smith: Seat Belts Saves Lives-What's Holding You Back?
• RI-Ashley Bickford: The kNOw HIV/AIDS Campaign
• TN-Grace Gore: Graceful Sounds-Bringing Music to the Ears

Groupings

Tuesday Prelim Results

Miss Iowa Diana Reed was named Tuesday night’s preliminary Talent winner for her Baton Twirling performance to “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” during the first night of competition in 2008 Miss America Live! at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Diana will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Also in the spotlight was Miss Rhode Island Ashley Bickford, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a black Winnwear swimsuit with gold trim. Ashley will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Wednesday Prelim Results

Miss Massachusetts Valerie J. Amaral was named Wednesday night’s preliminary Talent winner for her Vocal performance “Anyway,” during the second night of competition in 2008 Miss America Live! at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Valerie will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Also in the spotlight was Miss Michigan, Kirsten Haglund, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a black Winnwear swimsuit with gold trim and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Thursday Prelim Results

Miss Connecticut Dana Elaine Daunis was named Thursday night's preliminary Talent winner for her Vocal performance "Let Him Fly," during the third night of competition in 2008 Miss America Live! at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Dana will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Also in the spotlight was Miss Texas Molly Hazlett, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a black Winnwear swimsuit. Molly will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Miss America Reality Check

It has been four long weeks with previews, challenges, and yes changes for the 52 delegates of 2008. On the final program the top three delegates were named, winning a $10,000 scholarship and a shopping spree. The top three delegates were Miss Indiana Nicole Rash, Miss New Mexico Jenny Marlowe, and Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto.

Also named into the top ten were Miss South Carolina Crystal Garrett, Miss Illinois Ashley Hatfield, Miss Virginia Hannah Kiefer, Miss Florida Kylie Williams, Miss Alaska Cari Levya, Miss DC Shayna Rudd, and Miss Minnesota Jennifer Hudspeth.

Final Results - Miss America Live!

This year's buzz phrase was "the 'It Girl,'" a hipper version of Miss America that pageant organizers hope would serve as a role model to younger generations, giving them women to idolize other than troubled pop stars such as Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears.

Throughout the pageant, which felt at times like an episode of "The Bachelor" or "American Idol," contestants talked about why they would make the perfect It Girl.

The show was aired on The Learning Channel for the first time, bringing in "Entertainment Tonight" reporter Mark Steines and Clinton Kelly of the network's popular show "What Not to Wear" to give the ceremony a hip feel.

During the elimination process, contestants' names were read and, instead of leaving the stage after being eliminated, they remained, watching from seats on stage. When Miss Utah Jill Stevens was eliminated, she jumped to the floor and cranked out a set of push-ups. Stevens was the only armed services veteran in the pageant, having served as a medic during a deployment to Afghanistan.

Kelly greeted the contestants who did not advance with plates of carbohydrates as consolation prizes: cream puffs and other pastries. He also discussed with them the merits of "butt glue" for keeping swimsuits from riding up during the swimsuit contest.

In the end, judges chose Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund, 19, from Farmington Hills, Michigan as Miss America 2008. She is a music student at the University of Cincinnati, and sang "Over the Rainbow" for the talent competition and who wore a black bikini during the swimsuit contest.

She also answered a question about whether people who have sexually transmitted diseases should disclose their status to their fiancé, citing honesty and integrity as important personal characteristics.

The final night of Miss America Live! was broadcast from Las Vegas on TLC. Along with the title of Miss America 2008, Kirsten won a $50,000 scholarship to continue her education.

The first runner-up was Miss Indiana Nicole Elizabeth Rash who earned a $25,000 scholarship. Her talent performance was the vocal, Bandido and her personal platform is Get on the L.-B.U.S. to break language barriers in the U.S.

Second runner-up honors and a $20,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto. Her talent was also a vocal performance, Angels, and her personal platform is Embracing Diversity, Empowering Women.

Third runner up honors and a $15,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss Virginia Hannah Kiefer. Her talent was ballet en pointe to "Chocolate" from the "Nutcracker". Her personal platform is Creating Healthy Choices for Teens.

Fourth runner up honors and a $10,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss North Carolina Jessica Jacobs. Her talent was also ballet en pointe performed to the "Four Seasons." Her personal platform is Read To Me Program-Literacy Through Parents and Community Reading to Kids.

The three other finalists performing their talent were Miss California Melissa Chaty who sang the opera aria "The Jewel Song"; Miss Texas Moly Hazelett who performed a character ballet en pointe to The Rich Man's Fruge; and Miss Wisconsin Christina Thompson who performed a violin solo.

The other two ladies who competed in the gown competition but were eliminated from talent were Miss Iowa Diana Reed and Miss Georgia Leah Massee.

Five other ladies were called in the first elimination and with the others competed in swimsuit. Those six were: Miss Tennessee Grace Gore, Miss South Carolina Crystal Garrett, Miss Arkansas Katie Bailey; Miss Florida Kylie Williams, and Miss Mississippi Kimberly Morgan.

Miss Utah Jill Stevens was the winner of TLC's America's Choice, an online competition where viewers got the opportunity to vote for their favorite Miss America contestant. The contestant was announced at the beginning of the Miss America Live! broadcast and became the 16th Finalist to compete in the live finale.

More information about Kirsten Haglund

Kirsten's scholastic ambition is to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre and she ultimately hopes to become a Broadway performer.

After the pageant, Haglund pledged to use her crown to bring awareness to her personal platform, eating disorders, adding that she had recovered from one during high school.

"I'm very happy to say I was the youngest contestant coming into it," Haglund said during a news conference after the competition. "This is what this program needs, someone young, someone relevant. I was in high school two years ago. ... I feel in touch with what young girls are feeling."

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Miss America 2008 Delegates
Alabama Jamie Langley of Wadley Jun. 9, 2007 Jacksonville State University - Communications Vocal Cardiac Care: From the Heart 24, Sixth Try Quality of Life Finalist	Alaska Cari Levya of Anchorage Jun. 9, 2007 University of Anchorage Alaska Operatic Vocal Empowering Women of All Ethnicities to Embrace Their Cultures and Promote Self-Actualization 24, First Try, Miss AK USA '04	Arizona Nicole Turner of Phoenix Jun. 23, 2007 MCC / Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health - AAS, Dental Hygiene Lyrical Jazz Dance TDWC - Driving the Message Home Occup:Dental Hygienist and Dance Instructor 24, Third Try, AZ Teen Intl '03	Arkansas Katie Bailey of Conway Jun. 23, 2007 University of Mississippi - Graduate, International Business / French Vocal Prevention and Awareness of School Violence 25, Sixth Try SF
California Melissa Chaty of Ukiah Jun. 30, 2007 Westmont College - Grad Student, Psychology / Music Operatic Vocal : The Jewel Song Alzheimer’s Advocacy and Awareness 24, Fourth Try F Top 8	Colorado Maggie Ireland of Littleton Jun. 24, 2007 Colorado State University - Health and Exercise Science concentrating in Sport Irish Step Dance Opening the Doors to Optimism 22, First Try	Connecticut Dana Daunis of Watertown Aug. 6, 2007 Central Connecticut State University - Psychology / Theatre Performance Vocal Child Abuse - Prevention and Recovery 21, Third Try Thursday Prelim Talent, Non-Finalist Talent	Delaware Brittany Dempsey of Dover Jun. 9, 2007 University of Delaware - Junior, Health Behavior Science Jazz Dance C.A.T.C.H, Coordinated Approach to Child Health 19, Second Try, DE Jr Miss
District of Columbia Shayna Rudd of Philadelphia, PA Jul. 21, 2007 Howard University - Journalism / African American Studies Jazz Dance Best Friends Foundation: Empowerment and Healing Our Urban Communitie 22, First Try Non-Finalist Talent	Florida Kylie Williams of Jasper Jun. 30, 2007 Florida State University - BS, Marketing / Communications Vocal Realistic Support for Our Troops, Inc. 24, Sixth Try SF 1st RU Quality of Life	Georgia Leah Massee of Fitzgerald Jun. 30, 2007 Valdosta State University - Graduate, Speech Communications Vocal Children's Miracle Network 24, Third Try T 10	Hawaii Ashley Layfield of Kane'oha Jun. 15, 2007 University of Hawai'i - Manoa - BA, Fine Arts Jazz Dance Enhancing Lives Through the Performing Arts 21, Second Try
Idaho Sadie Quigley of Idaho Falls Jun. 16, 2007 Brigham Young University - Elementary and Special Education Piano Building Bridges- Acceptance and Accessability for the Disabled 19, First Try Non-Finalist Talent	Illinois Ashley Nicole Hatfield of Anna Jun. 30, 2007 Graduate, University of Mississippi Vocal Breast Cancer: Action, Awareness and Advocacy 24, Third Try	Indiana Nicole Rash of Plymouth Jun. 23, 2007 Ball State University Vocal : Bandito Get on the L Bus - Breaking Language Barriers in the USA 23, Second Try 1st RU Miss America Reality Check T3	Iowa Diana Reed of Norwalk Jun. 9, 2007 University of Iowa - Graduate, Business Management and Performing Arts, Baton : You Can’t Stop the Beat Character Education: Building Futures by Building Kids 23, Third Try T 10 Tuesday Prelim Talent
Kansas Alyssa George of Minneapolis Jun. 9, 2007 University of Kansas - Business Classical Piano Bullying: The Bystander Effect 22, Third Try	Kentucky Kaitlynne Postel of Lexington Jul. 21, 2007 University of Kentucky - Communication Disorders Vocal Standing Tall and Respecting All 21, First Try	Louisiana Amanda Joseph of Pineville Jun. 16, 2007 Louisiana State University - Senior, Public Relations Ballet en Pointe Arts for the Underprivileged – Promoting the Gift from Within 21, Fourth Try	Maine Tara Allain of Worcester Jun. 9, 2007 Colby College - Senior, Biology Lyrical Dance Habitat for Humanity 22, Second Try
Maryland Shana Powell of Bowie Jun. 30, 2007 Morgan State Univeristy Operatic Vocal The Importance of Music Education and Support of the Arts 22, First Try	Massachusetts Valerie Amaral of Acushnet Jun. 23, 2007 University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth - Senior, English/Political Science Vocal : Anyway Children's Miracle Network - Inspiring Youth to Volunteer 22, Fourth Try, Mass Outstanding Teen '01 Quality of Life Finalist, Wednesday Prelim Talent, Non-Finalist Talent, Miracle Maker Award	Michigan Kristen Haguland of Farmington Hills Jun. 16, 2007 University of Cinncinnati-Conservatory of Music Vocal : Over The Rainbow Raising Awareness of Eating Disorders 19, First Try Winner Wednesday Prelim Lifestyle and Fitness	Minnesota Jennifer Hudspeth of Apple Valley Jun. 16, 2007 Minnesota State University Vocal Understanding Autism 23, Second Try Quality of Life Finalist
Mississippi Kimberly Nicole Morgan of Taylor Jul. 14, 2007 Alcorn State University - Graduate Vocal Music Increasing Literacy in Kids 24, Second Try SF	Missouri Lindsey Casmaer of Hazelwood Jun. 9, 2007 University of Pennsylvania - Graduate, Neurobiology and Behavior Ballet en pointe Promoting Internet Safety Awareness through Education 24, Frist Try, MO Jr Miss	Montana Kristen Mantooth of Lewistown Jun. 17, 2007 University of Montana - English Education and Art Lyrical Dance REACH! - Encouraging a Whole-Life Approach of Integrity in Relationships, Emotions, Actions, Character and Habits 22, Third Try	Nebraska Ashley Bauer of Scottsbluff Jun. 9, 2007 University of Nebraska - Omaha - Sophomore Vocal Mentoring: Connecting Kids With Hope 22, Third Try
Nevada Caleche Manos, of South Lake Tahoe Jul. 14, 2007 University of Nevada Vocal MADD – Prevention of Drinking and Driving Through Education 23, Third Try Quality of Life Winner	New Hampshire Rachel Barker of Amherst Apr. 29, 2007 Hofstra University - Sophomore, Public Relations Ballet en Pointe The Power of Arts in Education 20, First Try	New Jersey Amy Palumbo of Howell Jun. 16, 2007 Wagner College - Theatre Performance Musical Theatre Vocal Internet Safety Education 23, First Try	New Mexico Jenny Marlowe of Albuquerque Jun. 9, 2007 University of New Mexico Vocal Learn to Be Powerful Against Physical and Sexual Assault 23, First Try Miss America Reality Check T3
New York Elisabeth Baldanza of East Meredith Jul. 14, 2007 Mercyhurst College - BS, Family and Consumer Science Contemporary Ballet Personal Worth - The Value of Character and Service 24, First Try	North Carolina Jessica Jacobs of High Point Jun. 23, 2007 North Carolina State University - Grad Student Ballet en pointe : Four Seasons Read To Me Program-Literacy Through Parents and Community Reading to Kids 23, Second Try 4th RU Quality of Life Finalist	North Dakota Ashley Young of Grand Forks Jun. 16, 2007 North Dakota State University - Music/Vocal Performance Operatic Vocal : The Laughing Song from Die Siedermaus Stop Bullying In Schools: Save theSpirit of the Child 20, Second Try Miss Congeniality	Ohio Roberta Camp of Grove City Jun. 16, 2007 Otterbein College Vocal Change Our World: Build Character 23, Third Try
Oklahoma Makenna Smith of Oklahoma City Jun. 9, 2007 Oklahoma City University - School of Nursing Vocal Seat Belts Save Lives. What’s Holding You Back? 24, Fifth Try 2nd RU Quality of Life	Oregon Kari Virding of Portland Jun. 30, 2007 Azusa Pacific University Vocal The Make-A-Wish Foundation 24, Fourth Try, OR Teen USA '00 Non-Finalist Talent	Pennsylvania Rachel Marie Brooks of Broomall Jun. 23, 2007 University of Pennsylvania - Fels School of Government Vocal Autism Awareness: Unlocking the Mystery 24, Fourth Try Non-Finalist Talent	Rhode Island Ashley Bickford of Newport Jun. 30, 2007 Saliva Regina University Ballet en Pointe : Kitri Variation, Act III, Don Quixote The kNOw HIV/AIDS Campaign 22, Third Try Quality of Life Finalist, Tuesday Prelim Lifestyle and Fitness
South Carolina Crystal Garrett of Columbia Jul. 7, 2007 University of South Carolina - Vocal Performance Vocal PEAK: Preparing and Empowering Asthmatic Kids 21, Second Try SF	South Dakota Kate Wismer of Britton Jun. 9, 2007 South Dakota State University - Senior, Music Education Classical Vocal The Reading Advantage 22, Second Try	Tennessee Grace Gore of Nashville Jun. 23, 2007 Vanderbuilt University - School of Medicine Vocal Graceful Sounds: Hearing Conservation and Rehabilitation 24, First Try SF Quality of Life Finalist	Texas Molly Hazlett of Centerville Jul. 7, 2007 Sam Houston State University - Nursing Character Jazz on Pointe : Rich Man's Fruge Drug and Alcohol Awareness 21, Third Try F Thursday Prelim Lifestyle and Fitness, Top 8
US Virgin Islands Janesiha John of St. Croix May. 19, 2007 University of the Virgin Islands Modern Jazz Dance Domestic Violence - Awareness, Prevention and Recovery 20, First Try	Utah Jill Stevens of Kaysville Jun. 30, 2007 Southern Utah Univeristy - Graduate, Nursing Vocal Ready When Disaster Strikes - Emergency Preparedness for Everyone 24, Second Try SF America's Choice	Vermont Rachel Ann Cole of Middlebury Jun. 3, 2007 Middlebury College - Senior, Theater / ElementaryTeacher education Monologue Building Bridges Through Literacy: Closing the Educational Gap 22, First Try	Virginia Hannah Kiefer of Roanoke Jun. 30, 2007 Hollins University - Junior, Communication Studies/ Psychology Ballet en Pointe : Chocolate from The Nutcracker Creating Healthy Choices for Teens 21, Second Try 3rd RU
Washington Elyse Umemoto of Wapato Jul. 7, 2007 Pacific Lutheran University - Graduate, Political Science Vocal : Angel Embracing Diversity, Empowering Women. 23, Second Try 2nd RU Miss America Reality Check T3	West Virginia Summer Wyatt of Princeton Jun. 23, 2007 Concord College Vocal Making the Connection Between Animal Abuse and Family Violence. 21, Third Try	Wisconsin Christina Thompson of Madison Jun. 30, 2007 Vanderbilt University - Graduate Violin Supporting the Arts: A Holistic Approach 23, Second Try F Top 8	Wyoming Jennifer McCafferty of Laramie Jun. 30, 2007 University of Wyoming/ Culinary Institute of the Rockies - Culinary School of the Rockies Vocal Promoting Foreign Language Learning 24, Fourth Try

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